Activity 3.3.6 Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems

Conclusion

1.    What is important to consider when designing an HVAC system?

It is very important to consider what the purpose and expectations of the buildings usage will be.

2.    How does the HVAC system affect the design of the building structure?

When designing the HVAC system, an architect must allow for sufficient space for the ducts and such, which may require extra space in the ceiling.  The architect must also know what the building is intended for so that the ducts may be properly placed.

3.    How does an engineer know the requirements for mechanical design of an HVAC system?

The engineer must research the requirements and codes for the mechanical design of an HVAC system and work that into his design and installation.

4.    Why is it important for architects to be aware of how mechanical systems are designed or 
constructed?

It is important for the architect to be aware of how the mechanical systems are designed and constructed so that he or she can account for the requirements and properly design his systems so that they will be efficient and sufficient for the structure.

5.    What information must an architect provide to a mechanical engineer to ensure proper design and placement of the mechanical systems?

The architect must provide his or her designs, plans, and research on the requirements and building to the mechanical engineer so that the engineer understands how the system should be designed and placed.

Activity 3.3.4 Energy Codes

1.    Follow the link to What’s Happening in Your State. Based on the map and key, what is the status of the energy codes in Indiana (where the Keystone Library building is located)? What is the energy code status in neighboring states? What is the energy code status in your state? 

The energy codes in Indiana are based on the 2010 Indiana Energy Conservation Code of ASHRAE 90.1-2007. The energy code status in Indiana is about 3.5 on a 4 point scale.  Illinois' energy code status is at a 4, while other neighboring states are also 3.5.

 2.    What is needed in order to comply with the energy code (using the prescriptive approach presented in the PowerPoint) with regard to the unheated slab on grade for the Keystone Project? If the project were located in Montana, what would be the requirement for perimeter slab insulation? 

There are no requirements for unheated slab on grade in Indiana.  However in Montana, some insulation would be required due to the difference in climates. 
 

3. Calculate the percentage of exterior wall composed of fenestration to verify that the area of fenestration is less than or equal to 40%.

 I calculated the fenestration to be about 8% of the exterior wall.

 

4. Assume that the client would like to provide shading for the fenestrations on the south face of the building in order to protect the library books and resources from damage from the sun. Research methods to provide window shading and paste in a preliminary design that would provide shading such that the resulting projection factor does not restrict the use of windows based on the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.

You could use shutters or shades over the windows to limit the amount of sun let in and slightly redirect the rays of light.

Conclusion

5.    What is the purpose of energy codes?

To improve and ensure the efficiency of energy in structures and all throughout the world.

6.    How does adding a vestibule improve energy efficiency?

Vestibules are effective at trapping hot or cold air inside the room, rather than allowing it to escape outside of the building. 

7.     What recommendations would you make to improve the energy efficiency of the existing structure during the renovation process for the Keystone Library?

I would recommend adding a vestibule by the front entrance of the Keystone Library that could help trap heated or cooled air inside the building.